Educators’ Manifesto for Ethical, Human-Centered AI in Education
IOANNIS ANAPLIOTIS
Head of Nea Paideia School AI & VR Lab. Co founder & CTO Skilling Future. Custom Chatbot creator. AI consultant for Professionals. Founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement
Artificial Intelligence is transforming virtually every aspect of our world—and education stands to benefit immensely. But as AI systems become more powerful, the true test for educators is this: Will we remain at the helm, or let algorithms steer us?
Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s timeless poem “If—”, Oxford University’s AIEOU hub, and UNESCO’s global frameworks, I propose the following Educators’ Manifesto to guide responsible AI adoption in our classrooms and institutions.
1. Center the Human
“If you can use machines without them using you…” Place learners and educators—not algorithms—at the core of every AI intervention. When we frame AI as a tool for human creativity, judgment, and empathy, we reinforce the irreplaceable value of our uniquely human insights.
2. Promote Equity & Inclusion
“If you remember that behind every screen hides a human…” AI must shrink learning gaps, not widen them. Let’s ensure AI-driven resources and assessments are accessible to all students—regardless of geography, background, or ability—helping every learner reach their full potential.
3. Uphold Ethical Stewardship
“If you question answers without denying their value…” Demand transparency and fairness from AI systems. Educators should feel empowered to audit algorithmic outputs, surface potential biases, and hold vendors accountable for equitable, explainable solutions.
4. Cultivate AI Competency
“If you teach technology while learning from it…” Equip both teachers and students with UNESCO’s AI Competency Frameworks:
By embedding AI literacy in curricula and professional development, we prepare everyone to engage thoughtfully with evolving tools.
5. Foster Collaborative Inquiry
“If you discover truths no algorithm has predicted…” Follow Oxford AIEOU’s model by bringing together researchers, policymakers, civil society, industry, and—most importantly—teachers and learners. Through interdisciplinary partnerships, we co-create AI use cases that exemplify best practices in pedagogy and learning outcomes.
6. Encourage Critical Reflection
“If you see in answers questions that hide behind…” Teach curiosity—and healthy skepticism—alongside AI adoption. Challenge students to ask, “How was this result generated? Whose perspective might be missing?” Such reflection transforms passive consumers into active digital citizens.
7. Embrace Sustainable Innovation
“If you dream futures that no machine has imagined…” Align all AI initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Education 2030 Agenda. We must consider environmental impact, resource use, and long-term social benefit when selecting and scaling AI solutions.
8. Integrate Empathy & Narrative
“If you see data as human stories, not just numbers…” Data becomes truly meaningful when it connects to real lived experiences. Let’s use AI to surface narratives that foster empathy, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.
9. Safeguard Privacy & Rights
“If you respect technology without worshiping it as a god…” Respect UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by enshrining student data privacy, informed consent, and equity of opportunity in every deployment.
10. Commit to Lifelong Learning
“If you teach the value of doubt alongside the power of knowledge…” In a world of rapid change, adaptability is crucial. Cultivate resilience, critical thinking, and a growth mindset—so every educator and learner is ready for the next frontier of AI innovation.
In Conclusion
When we weave these principles into policy, practice, and pedagogy, AI becomes our servant, not our master—and learning remains a profoundly human endeavor. As educators, we hold the compass: let’s chart a course where technology uplifts humanity, and where every student can dream beyond the data.
Skilling Future Shahida Rehman Andy Lucchesi Le Dinh Bao Quoc France Q. Hoang Paul Matthews Matthew Wemyss David Curran Eugene Pribytkov Fengchun Miao Sofia Fenichell Simone Hirsch Sara Ratner Clara Lin Hawking Gowri shankar Sivabala Rena Alasgarova Dr. David SANTANDREU CALONGE Angelos Rodafinos Jack Dougall C. Harun Böke Ben Whitaker Dan Fitzpatrick Işıl Boy Ergül, PhD